Mudskippers, called mutsugoro in Japanese, are classified as an endangered species (IB) on Japan's Red List. In the Ariake Sea, which spans four prefectures in Kyushu, it is mating season for this popular creature. Male mudskippers can be seen energetically jumping and skipping around the vast tidal flats to attract females.
Warmer Temps Spur Activity
"The mudskippers are particularly active this year due to the high temperatures," said a representative of the mudflats observation deck at the Kashima Roadside Station in Kashima City, Saga Prefecture. "Their courtship jumping behavior has started earlier than usual," he added.
Onlooking tourists cheered at each jump of the "love hunting" mudskippers.
